USE OF THE OBLIQUE ISLAND FLAP IN EXCISION OF SMALL FACIAL TUMORS

Reconstruction with the oblique sigmoid island flap, which we contrive d as a subcutaneous pedicle flap, is performed as follows: the small t riangular skin flaps, about 1 to 2 mm in length on each side, are exci sed from both sides of a round defect following tumor excision in a di rection corresponding to the wrinkle line, and a subcutaneous island f lap which has a width equal to the defect and has shifted about half t he distance of the defective area in parallel with the wrinkle line is advanced and sutured. Our technique is thought to be highly effective from a cosmetic point of view because reconstruction of the defects f ollowing excision of small tumors that occur in sites with delicate em inence, such as the area between the inner canthal region and the chee k, the site along the nasolabial fold, and around the alae, often tend s to fail to achieve cosmetically good results when conventional local skin flaps are used.